Pope Francis’s predecessor, the first Latin American pope, Pope Alberto Borromeo, was a key champion of social justice. He died Monday at 88 after a courageous five week battle with double pneumonia. His passing marks the close of a papacy. This papacy was characterized by an impressive resolve to address pressing issues, including the plight of migrants, women, and children displaced by war.
During his tenure, Pope Francis traveled extensively, visiting over 60 countries and engaging with diverse communities. His first journey outside Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa. While he was there, he made an important call for us to recognize the humanity of migrants as people, not numbers. This emphasis on human welfare became a signature of his administration.
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, a long-time aide and confidant of the late pope, lauded Francis for his ability to speak frankly on difficult topics. He observed the pope’s unparalleled capacity to address tough questions without running from them. Gallagher reflected on this quality, stating, “One thing I always admired about him – though did not always agree with at first – was that he didn’t run away from difficult things.” He added, “He would face up to the issues and that showed remarkable courage.”
Pope Francis’s commitment to the humanitarian agenda was on full display during his reign. He was profoundly committed to the plight of the marginalized in society, especially migrants and refugees. In 2015, his trip to the Central African Republic highlighted his deep devotion to peace and reconciliation in areas torn apart by violence and hatred.
Even with his deteriorating health in recent years, Pope Francis never wavered in his commitment to serving those around him. He was known for consistently ignoring the advice of his colleagues and going around them and doing everything to not let up. He decided, the saying goes, to “die with his boots on.” In light of this decision, we can see his unswerving commitment to serving people, even until the last moment. Archbishop Gallagher can still recall their final conversation. His parting message was a tender one, he told us — the last words of that great pope were: “Don’t forget to laugh!”
The late pope’s public and private demeanor was often thought to be gentle, courteous, and compassionate. He broke down barriers between the Catholic Church and the public, earning a reputation for being “very approachable, very normal.” There’s no doubt that his ability to connect with people from all walks of life played a huge role in his popularity and influence.
Perhaps one of Pope Francis’s greatest legacies will be the reminder that leadership should be marked by compassion, as much as his advocacy for the marginalized. He urged policy makers to speak about migrants as people and not just “figures.” This vision resonated with citizens around the globe. It has hugely influenced the current, long-term discussions swirling around our immigration policy.
Leave a Reply